Makayla Raap is clutch.
Really, what else can be said about this play from Raap, an 11-year-old softball player?
A member of the Athletes HQ team who was playing in a national tournament this weekend, Raap showed some strong softball IQ along with a nifty bit of athleticism to make a spectacular play to win a game for her team. Athletes HQ (based in Elgin, IL) was in a 7-7 game in the bottom of the sixth.
Addison Newby was at the plate with runners on first and second. Newby smoked a hard hit into shallow left field and Raap got a great break on the contact.
This break, which was certainly a heads-up bit of base running, allowed Raap to round third just as the throw was coming in from centerfield.
The catcher did a good job of fielding the throw, but Raap lept over the outstretched tag and dove into home plate.
Check it out. This is a really nice play:
AHQ 11u Softball in the Gold Bracket at Nationals. Bottom 6, 2 outs, Addison Newby batting, Makayla Raap on 2nd.. just watch this to walk it off and advance to the next round.. pic.twitter.com/21LzoOAwkC
— Athletes HQ®️ (@AthletesHQElgin) July 13, 2024
You won’t find a better bit of baserunning in either Women’s Professional Fastpitch or the MLB. This is just a smart, head’s up play here.
And to win the game, no less. Incredible.
